News and updates
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Upcoming public meetings and events
October 22, 2026 - BAR Advisory Group Meeting
New regulations effective July 1 NEW
Regulations related to business license information updates and biometric device requirements take effect July 1, 2026.
Licensees are encouraged to review the following information to help ensure compliance.
Business license information updates
- A change of business address must be reported within 14 days
- Other changes (such as phone number, email, service type, or controlling individual changes) must be reported within 30 days
Report a change of address or update other license information
Biometric device and inspection manual updates
An updated Smog Check Manual and Vehicle Safety Systems Inspection Manual are now available. The updated manuals—dated April 2025—allow the use of any approved biometric palm vein scanner model, instead of a single model. Licensees must use and follow the updated manuals effective July 1, 2026.
View the updated manuals:
News release: Los Angeles-area auto repair shop's license suspended after BAR investigation NEW
The state license of Los Angeles-based automotive repair dealer has been suspended after an investigation by BAR revealed the business was engaging in fraudulent, predatory and deceptive business practices that resulted in consumer harm.
Read the news release online. A Spanish version is also available.
BAR launches updated online license renewal system
BAR is launching an updated online license renewal system. The new system is easier to use, faster, and more accurate. It now also allows licensees to renew multiple licenses at the same time in one transaction.
What’s new and improved
The updated system offers licensees several key benefits:
Check eligibility for renewal. The system checks license renewal eligibility to help licensees avoid errors and delays.
Renew multiple licenses at once. Licensees can now renew more than one license in one simple transaction.
Make one combined payment. Pay renewal fees for multiple licenses in one easy payment.
Avoid payment errors. The system ensures payments are applied to the correct license number and type.
Renew all license types. Vehicle safety systems inspection licenses can now be renewed online.
Receive faster processing. Payments are processed more quickly, reducing delays and follow-up issues.
Courtesy notices are mailed to licensees before their license expiration date. Licensees are reminded that it is their responsibility to renew on time, even if they do not receive a notice.
Updated Write It Right guide provides updates and clarifications for automotive repair dealers
BAR has updated the Write It Right guide. The updated guide clarifies existing requirements and reflects new regulations.
Highlights of the updates include:
Mobile repair invoices – An invoice for mobile automotive repairs must include the address or location where the repairs were performed.
Tear down estimates – Estimates must describe the general area to be disassembled—an itemized list of every part to be removed is not required.
Paint and materials costs – New guidance explains two acceptable ways to estimate paint and materials costs.
Stay current! Bookmark the Write It Right guide to access the latest version.
New laws taking effect in 2026
Each year, new laws go into effect that can have an impact on the automotive repair industry. Below is a summary of the key changes taking effect January 1, 2026. We've also included reminders to help licensees stay in compliance.
New laws for 2026
AB 987 (Sharp-Collins): Vehicle storage and towing
Assembly Bill 987 expands the list of presumptively unreasonable fees in Vehicle Code sections 10652.5 and 22524.5 to include, among other things, storage fees charged for state holidays that exceed the posted standard daily storage rate. It also includes towing fees charged when the owner is directed by a law enforcement officer to remove their vehicle to clear the roadway during a state or local emergency.
SB 774 (Ashby): Citation and remedial training programs
Senate Bill 774 bill extends the sunset (or end) date of the remedial training program for automotive repair dealers from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2028. The program allows an automotive repair dealer to prevent disclosure on the Bureau website of a citation for violation of the Automotive Repair Act by attending remedial training from a BAR-accepted training provider.
SB 861 (Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee): Technical Cleanup
Senate Bill 861 updates cross references to the Business and Professions Code that replaced provisions for licensure of lamp and brake adjusting stations and adjusters with provisions for licensure of vehicle safety systems inspection stations and technicians.
Important reminders for the new year
The start of the year is a good time to review ongoing requirements:
Update license information on time. Business changes must be reported within 30 days. Inspector and technician changes must be reported within 14 days.
Submit your educational certifications. You can submit certifications for both you and your employees. The information is displayed on BAR’s Auto Shop Locator.
Print your license online. You can print your license online at any time.
Make sure you are in compliance. Review applicable laws and regulations and our Write it Right guide.
The Smog Check Referee Program is recruiting
Join the Referee team and help reduce air pollution for all Californians. Positions are open at community college campuses throughout California. Learn more
BAR career opportunities are available for auto professionals
We’re hiring! BAR is seeking professionals in the automotive industry to fill automotive program representative vacancies across the state. For information on openings and how to apply, visit Career opportunities.
Fraud alerts for DCA licensed professionals
DCA licensed professionals may be impacted by fraudulent activity. Read fraud alerts